15th September, 2011
Nigerian sprinter, Obinna Metu, has ruled himself out of the 200m final of the ongoing All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, due to the injury he sustained in the semi-final.
Metu said the decision was too hard for him to make as he considers the chance of the country in winning a gold medal at the event. He added that it was necessary for him to withdraw to avoid complicating the injury.
“It was a painful decision to make because of the nation’s chance of winning a gold medal in the event. But if I force myself to feature, it may threaten my career. I need to comply with the medical advice,†he said on Brila FM early today.
Metu assured Nigerians of his future commitment to national assignment, saying age is on his side.
Meanwhile, former All Africa Games 400m champion, Falilat Ogunkoya-Osheku, has expressed delight at the feat recorded by Team Nigeria in the women 100m race.
Ogunkoya said she was not surprised with the victory of the trio of Damola Osayomi, Blessing Okagbare and Asunmu won swept the medal of the 100m race.
“I am not surprised because these girls are good and they have been competing well at international Grand Prix,†she said.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics 400m bronze medalist advised Nigerian athletes to start early preparation for the 2012 London Olympics for them to compete at their best with in the world.
—Olusegun Abidoye & Bamidele Olowosagba